The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office said yesterday it won’t bring new charges against a Chicago police officer involved in a fatal crash on his way from a tavern. But the officer remains in hot water.

Tactical officer John Ardelean had been out drinking before his SUV broadsided a car on North Damen Avenue last Thanksgiving. The crash killed two of the car’s occupants, 21-year-old Erick Lagunas and 22-year-old Miguel Flores, both of west suburban Cicero.

After a judge dismissed drunk-driving charges against the officer, the State’s Attorney’s Office in February agreed to take another look at the case. Now the prosecutors say they’ve concluded there’s insufficient evidence to bring new charges.

NEEDHAM: They’re experienced and competent professionals.

Officer Ardelean’s attorney is Thomas Needham.

NEEDHAM: And they came to the right decision based on the facts. Every time there’s a collision between two vehicles involving a fatality, it doesn’t automatically mean a crime has been committed.

But the families of the victims question why police waited more than seven hours after the crash to give Ardelean a Breathalyzer test.

And a statement yesterday from Police Superintendent Jody Weis says his department won’t tolerate such alcohol-related incidents. Ardelean remains in paid status, but Weis says a police investigation of the officer and his superiors remains active.

The families, meanwhile, are preparing a civil suit against Ardelean and the bar where he’d been drinking.

O’CONNOR: There’s a videotape of Mr. Ardelean at the Martini Ranch, consuming alcohol.

Attorney Daniel O’Connor represents the families.

O’CONNOR: His watch commander and the arresting officer both testified under oath [that] they noticed a smell of alcohol.

O’Connor says he’s already negotiating with the insurance companies of officer Ardelean and the bar.